Annex available: County seeks buyer for extra building

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By Scott Brand

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By Scott Brand

Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 3:00 PM

By Scott Brand

Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 3:00 PM

Sault Ste. Marie

In conducting its first afternoon meeting inside the newly-renovated 91st District Court, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioner took action which could clear the way for the eventual sale of the Courthouse Annex.

The long-time home of certain county agencies and departments, the Annex — which was acquired in 1993 — has essentially been relegated to a third wheel due to recent renovations and remodeling just up the street at the County Building.

County Administrator Jim German said there has been a lot of money put into the structure over the last two decades, adding the county is selling the Annex in better shape than when they purchased it.

The Annex contains nearly 16,000 square feet of office space, according to German, on three stories with a working elevator. The building currently houses six suites and seven bathrooms with central air conditioning and a new boiler system installed in 2011. He also added the brick structure is handicapped accessible with fire and smoke alarms located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie at 300 Court Street.

In 2012, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners authorized an agreement with Smith and Company to either rent or sell the structure. Before pen was put to paper on that tentative agreement, however, an unspecified offer came in related to the Annex causing the county to shift gears.

With negotiations currently underway, the county decided on a 3-2 vote Monday with Commissioners Don Cooper and George Kinsella in opposition to allow German to conduct negotiations with any party interested in the structure.

“We’re open to offers,” said German.

German will handle the initial discussions with interested parties in the coming weeks. German said all negotiations will be conducted personally with all of the proposals destined for consideration by the five-man commission.

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will have the final say on the eventual sale or rental of the Annex Building and property.

“We’re just trying to get the best deal for the county,” German concluded.